Best of 2009

Augustine Beyai, from Gambia, was brought to Quinhamel Center, said to be Guinea-Bissau's only drug rehab facility, by his family. Guinea-Bissau, a small, unstable West African nation, has become the ideal stop for gangs smuggling drugs from South America to Europe. Full story

Augustine Beyai, from Gambia, was brought to Quinhamel Center, said to be Guinea-Bissau's only drug rehab facility, by his family. Guinea-Bissau, a small, unstable West African nation, has become the ideal stop for gangs smuggling drugs from South America to Europe. Full story (Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times)

Augustine Beyai, from Gambia, was brought to Quinhamel Center, said to be Guinea-Bissau's only drug rehab facility, by his family. Guinea-Bissau, a small, unstable West African nation, has become the ideal stop for gangs smuggling drugs from South America to Europe. Full storyLiz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times